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Trump Calls on Qatar to Cease Funding Terror

by Ali Vitali / Jun.09.2017 / 8:16 PM ET

US President Donald J. Trump delivers brief remarks to members of the news media while meeting with President of Romania Klaus Iohannis (not pictured) in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, DC on June 9, 2017.Michael Reynolds / EPA

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday accused Qatar of being a "funder of terrorism at a very high level," issuing a warning that the country must "do more" to combat terror.

Just an hour earlier, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other Gulf nations to ease the blockade on Qatar, though Tillerson also pressed Qatar to "do more" to fight terrorism.

"The emir of Qatar has made progress in halting financial support and expelling terrorist elements from his country," Tillerson said. "But he must do more and he must do more quickly."

The Pentagon said the situation in Qatar is having an impact on planning efforts.

"While current operations from Al Udeid Air Base have not been interrupted or curtailed, the evolving situation is hindering our ability to plan for longer-term military operations," Captain Jeff Davis, a spokesman for the Defense Department said Friday. "Qatar remains critical for coalition air operations in the fight against ISIS and around the region."

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday the tweets push a "message of toughness on terror financing," while not taking sides. He said the White House hopes to see the issue "de-escalated" and "resolved immediately."

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